Dog Bites
Pennsylvania’s dog law requires owners to have reasonable control over their dogs at all times. An owner is liable for damages when a person is severely attacked or if a person is attacked by what is considered a dangerous dog. As Lancaster’s expert dog bite lawyers, we handle these cases and often need to resort to claims against the homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Our dog bite attorneys, lead by Gabriella Hashem Farhat, obtain settlements not only for the pain and suffering, but also for disfigurement/scarring. We can help you along every step of the way.
Do I Need a Dog Bite Attorney?
If you have injuries as a result of a dog bite or an attack by a dog, speak to our dog bite attorneys for a free consultation so you know your rights. With our track record, you will get the special dedicated treatment of your case, no matter how serious or small your injury(ies). Trust Pyfer Reese as many others have.
We Fight for You
We Fight for Clients to Receive as Full and Fair and Reasonable Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries as Much as Possible.
Many of us view our dogs as family members, and at Pyfer Reese, we wholeheartedly share that sentiment (we even wrote a blog about our dogs!). Pet owners truly believe that dogs are an essential and cherished part of the family. Unfortunately, when a dog (whether it’s a friend’s, a neighbor’s, or one you’ve never encountered before) bites you or a loved one, especially a child, the resulting injuries can be devastating.
It can make one become very emotional and frightened, at times angry and at other times sad. Dog owners are supposed to be responsible and control their dogs. If the owner is irresponsible or fails to protect others from harm—especially in the case of an unprovoked attack—you or your loved one may be entitled to seek compensation for those injuries.
Dedicated Pennsylvania Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
The trusted dog bite injury lawyers at Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat PC have extensive experience in providing compassionate client care along with personalized legal guidance and representation. We assist clients navigating the legal system in Lancaster County, including Willow Street, Ephrata, and Lancaster. We work, and fight til the bitter end to get you the most we can within the confines of the law. No intimidation, no posturing, just the highest quality of legal representation.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Law
A dog bite does not automatically mean that the dog owner is responsible or legally liable. Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania does not have strict liability laws regarding dog bites. Additionally, the old adage that a dog must have bitten someone before for a victim to pursue a claim is outdated. Under Pennsylvania law, a bite victim must demonstrate one of the following to hold the dog owner financially accountable for the consequences of the bite:
- The dog was vicious; the dog owner was negligent; the dog owner violated a specific law such as not having a dog on a leash. These are the main criteria, but there are other examples.
Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer
As lawyers specializing in dog bite cases, we understand how to effectively demonstrate the necessary elements to establish liability against the dog owner. This includes examining the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior, any lack of control or restraint, and whether the dog has a history of aggression that indicates the owner “should have known” the dog could pose a danger to others.
Professional Dog Bite Assessment
Next, we assess the severity of the injuries resulting from the dog bite. Were they serious or not? This evaluation helps determine the damages you may be entitled to. Pennsylvania also has a two-tiered law that affects a bite victim’s right to recover compensation, based on the severity of the injury.
At Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat PC, we recognize the importance of securing full and fair compensation for your dog bite injuries. We understand that pursuing a claim can be particularly sensitive, especially when you have a relationship with the dog owner, which may have led to your proximity to the dog in the first place.
Insurance Policies
Fortunately, most homeowners’ insurance policies include coverage for dog bite injuries, which means you typically won’t need to sue a friend or family member to recover compensation. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators with decades of experience successfully handling claims with the insurance companies involved in these cases.
Keep in mind that dog bite injuries can result in significant medical expenses, and rehabilitation or emotional counseling may be necessary depending on the situation. Our experienced dog bite injury lawyers are here to ensure you receive compensation for all these costs, allowing you to focus on your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites.
Q1: Are there defenses that a dog owner can argue that may show or try to prove that he/she was not responsible for the dog bite and thus not responsible for the injuries?
A: A dog owner may argue “provocation” by the injured person. Or perhaps the dog owner may argue the injured person was trespassing on the property of the dog owner—where the dog bite occurred. If such defenses are raised, more the reason why you should retain counsel, and see our attorneys at Pyfer Reese Straub Gray & Farhat PC.
Q2: What is the “dangerous dog law”?
A: If a dog bites someone and the victim can demonstrate that the dog has a history of dangerous or vicious behavior, the dog owner may be held accountable. Claims are often submitted to the homeowners’ insurance policy, but filing a claim does not automatically mean the dog will be euthanized if that is a concern for you.
As experienced lawyers in handling dog bite cases, we investigate factors such as provocation, any prior injuries caused by the dog, or whether the dog has been used in criminal activities. Our goal is to establish whether or not the dog is a “dangerous dog” with a propensity to attack or bite people or other animals.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Lancaster, Willow Street or Ephrata. Schedule with Attorney Gabriella H. Farhat by filling out the form below.
You have questions; we have the answers. When we don’t have the answer at our fingertips, we will work hard to find them. When dealing with lawsuits and legal matters it’s important to act quickly and consult with an attorney so you don’t say anything you’ll be liable for later on. The attorney will investigate, question, and then gather as needed any evidence that may need to be preserved—for example, a neighbor’s camera or a street camera that might have captured the bite.
Since the initial consultation is free and our representation is based on a contingency fee, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There’s no obligation to hire us, so feel free to call our office to schedule your complimentary consultation to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. This is one of our passions, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Other Legal Matters We Specialize In
We also specialize in other personal injury cases, including: automobile accidents, medical negligence, motorcycle accidents, product liability, slips and falls, and wrongful death.